Sample Peer Responses

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Don't be Ashamed to visit the Block 1/Drake collaboration Wiki for some very strong Peer Response examples:
http://rhsdrakeexchangethroughwriting2012.wikispaces.com/
You should not have to be a member to see the pages.

Some other peer response ideas to follow. Be sure to reflect on the points that come up in class!

INTRODUCTION & THESIS
  • Is the introduction short and concise?
  • Is there a clear and focused thesis? Underline it. Does it contain the topics for each argument? Is the key vocabulary consistent throughout the paper?

BODY AND ARGUMENTS
  • Is each body paragraph introduced by a clear topic sentence?
  • Does each argument use the same definitions and/or explanations (the same vocabulary) given in the introduction? If not, give an example.
  • Is the support relevant, well-explained, developed, integrated and substantial enough to actually support the points being made? If not, give an example.
  • Does the writer use a variety of thoughtful transitions to show how ideas are connected?
  • Is there a clear concluding sentence for each paragraph?

CONCLUSION & REFLECTION
  • Does the conclusion restate the thesis of the paper while maintaining the same vocabulary for key terms?
  • Is the conclusion short and concise?

GENERAL COMMENTS
  • Is the pacing well-controlled? Does the writer elaborate when needed?
  • Does the writer use an appropriate tone and distinctive voice? Mark any use of the second person YOU.
  • Are the sentences varied in length and type for rhetorical effect?
  • Are the word choices precise and does the writer avoid jargon or slang?

MECHANICS
  • Does the essay use consistent standard English usage, spelling, and punctuation? Are there distracting errors?
  • Are the references and bibliography correctly done?

SUGGESTIONS Peer reviewer might make…
  • What did the writer do particularly well?
  • What part(s) of the paper is (are) the most difficult to understand? Why?
  • Identify two or more general things the writer can do to improve the paper.

More Thoughts on Peer Review:
When does Peer Review work best?
v When you need overall feedback
  • How does it sound?
  • What do you think?
  • Does it make sense?
v When you need specific feedback
  • Thesis statement
  • Topic Sentences
  • Organization
  • Introduction
  • Conclusion
  • Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling
  • Syntax
Why does Peer Review work?
  • We see our writing ‘through’ another person
  • We see how other students think and write
  • We see others’ writing strengths & weaknesses
  • We see new ideas and new ways of explaining ideas
  • We learn to look at our own writing in a different way
Peer Review works by being a helpful reader
v Ways you can respond as a helpful reader:
  • If you get confused or lost
    • Mark an ‘X’ in the text where you are confused
    • Ask the writer to explain his or her ideas
    • Ask the writer to state his or her thesis
    • Ask the writer to state the question the thesis answers
    • Help the writer to brainstorm (mapping, outlining, etc.)
    • Ask the writer to fill in the blanks:
      • My purpose in this paper is _.
      • My purpose in this section is .
v If you cannot see the point
  • Ask the writer ‘So what?’ questions. In other words, ask the writer
    • ‘What does this sentence have to do with your thesis?’
    • ‘What does this point have to do with this paragraph?’
    • ‘What does this paragraph have to do with the paper?’
v Playing devil’s advocate
  • Counter the writer’s stance or thesis
  • Bring up other perspectives
  • Ask the writer ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions
v Offer more examples and details to the writer
v Leave the final decisions to the writer